Interfit Photographic Stellar 300ws 2-Monolight 2-Umbrella Kit, with Reflectors, Stands & Cases, Total 600ws.

2008-02-11T19:00:00

Excellent for the price. Of course there's better stuff out there, but it's also more expensive. I usually rent shooting studios, but I was looking for an affordable kit to use at home and this products just works great. Recommended for the beginner looking for a reliable and affordable kit. The flash is powerful and very consistent for a product in this class. It uses the Bowens connector for lighting accessories, which is perfect, since there's a good choice of Bowens stuff out there. The recycle time is very good, the power can be reduced to a small fraction (1/32), which is useful when shooting with the iris wide open or with the flash heads close to the subject. It's also rugged and durable, except for some accessories which could be described as... flimsy. Expect to replace the translucent umbrella from the start: it's actually made from a toy-like umbrella for kids. :S The plastic cover that protect the flash tube is a little too short and I broke one of the modeling lightbulbs because of this. Either replace the lightbulbs for another, shorter type — or remove them before putting the plastic covers on the flash heads. Last, but not least, use radio triggers instead of the built-in IR triggers, so you don't have to use the flash on your camera (either built-in or hot-shoe type). Overall, this is an excellent choice for a first home studio. Just make sure you don't buy a kit that's too powerful. Usually, people who are disappointed with the product they got wish they had bought a LESS powerful kit.

JF

2008-01-22T19:00:00

An excellent value for money kit. The lights themselves are well built, solid and seem durable. Their features are very competitive at this price & power point. They are easy to use and give consistent results. The accessories are very basic - they suffice, but only just. They add little to the price vs buying the lights alone, so the kit is still a good way to go. The stands are light - they're OK with umbrellas but not really sturdy enough for a good softbox. The provided umbrellas are very simple & basic, but functional. Fortunately there is a good range of (much better) accessories available from Interfit, and the lights have a standard modifier attachment that allows many other makers accessories to be used. Overall an excellent value and a great introduction to monolights.

kaper

2007-09-25T21:00:00

I bought these to use at on-site weddings. I haven't been able to use them for that yet, but I have done some portraits and found them to have plenty of power and a good color. The soft-box isn't the best out there, but works well. Only complaint, the hard plastic bulb covers that came with mine didn't fit so when I put it after my first use I broke the modeling bulb. Now I just take the modeling bulbs out and store them in a hard case.

mustang302j

2007-07-25T21:00:00

Good overall, though troubles getting it to match exposure readings with my Canon dSLRs. The infrared sensors even pick up point-and-shoot cameras (bad at public events) so I definitely recommend a few pocketwizards.

ANDREW W.

2007-02-12T19:00:00

do not run hot build in fan for cooling,heavy duty construction i use them for peagent contest and work perfect,1.5sec recharge or less i love them.you get more than you pay for.

RAYMOND L.

2007-02-04T19:00:00

I've now had these just over a year, and though I haven't put them through as many hours as a more gung-ho semi-pro/gifted amateur might have by now, I've found them to be a good value. Definitely worth looking into for somebody considering Alien Bees or (gasp) no-name eBay imports. I like that they use the Bowens/Calumet-style bayonet fitting, so modifiers are plentiful. Color and output is impressively consistent for this class. Recycle time is decent - usually faster than I can shoot. I sometimes wished I'd gone with the (even more rugged) 600w, then I found a second pair of 300w at a good price (used) and bought them, and I'm very pleased, as this is a more versatile solution. They're not the most lightweight monos at this price, but not the heaviest either. Speaking of weight, you'll want to replace the included stands if you plan on using anything heavier than an umbrella.

ezekiel